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HRSA awarded a grant to the College of Social Work

The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) awarded a three-year, $925,787 grant to the College of Social Work, Masters of Social Work Program. The grant will be used to expand the College’s existing field education program under the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training for Professions, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance.

“I’m tremendously excited that the COSW received this grant from HRSA,” Anna Scheyett, Dean and Professor at the COSW said. “It will allow us to provide support and in-depth training to 67 students on integrated health and behavioral healthcare for youth. This will expand the capacity of the social work workforce and enhance the well-being of at-risk youth throughout South Carolina.”

The grant will aim to recruit, place and train qualifying advanced level MSW students in field practicums who plan a behavior health career serving at-risk youth.

“A USC COSW training program of this magnitude will help address the long-term behavioral health needs of children, adolescents and transitional age youth and their families in South Carolina,” said Melissa Reitmeier, Principle Investigator and Director for Field Education for the COSW. “Increased access to integrated healthcare systems, resources, and increased numbers of social workers who specialize in behavioral health practice can only lend to addressing the health and behavioral healthcare needs of this vulnerable population."

HRSA is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the federal agency for improving health care services for those who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. Funding for the grant was made possible through The Affordable Care Act through the HRSA.